

April 23, 2019
Long before kick-off, physiotherapists play an integral part in a football team’s health and training plan. They will monitor the players’ general well-being including: hydration and sleep levels; resting heart rates and joint/muscular health. Prior to warm-up on the day, they may also provide joint mobilisation, massage and stretching. If necessary, physios will also apply taping or strapping to individual players. Another of their roles is to complete a fitness test with players returning from injury – to confirm their readiness to play.
Physiotherapists are key members of the pitch-side support team for each side. They must be able to assess, diagnose, formulate a plan and treat injured players in a very short space of time. They will also have to make the critical decision about whether a player is able to continue playing. Strict guidelines are followed during this assessment. It’s essential that they remain calm under immense pressure; spectators, coaching staff and the rest of the team closely observe their assessment and management of injured players.
After the final whistle blows, physiotherapists continue to play a key role in supporting football teams. They’ll have to assess and treat any minor injuries picked up during the game. More serious injuries may require immediate scanning and a consultant review which the physio will attend with the player. They’ll also sort out ice baths and post-match massages where required.
Should a footballer suffer an injury, initial physiotherapy intervention follows the PRICE process: protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation.
Following the 48-hour period after PRICE and after diagnosis, players must follow a return to play (RTP) plan. A physiotherapist will work with the injured player to:
Are you a keen footballer? If you are, and are either injured or concerned about getting injured, a visit to your physiotherapist can be very beneficial. At your first appointment, you’ll begin with a conversation to establish your main concerns. You’ll discuss the nature of your injury, how it affects you on a day-to-day basis and what your end goals are. The physiotherapist will then conduct a thorough assessment before making a clinical impression or diagnosis. They’ll suggest appropriate treatment options before devising a plan and starting your treatment. You can also ask any questions and get advice on timeframes for your return to training and playing in games.
As well as a specific treatment and rehab plan, your physio will suggest cross-training techniques to maintain your general fitness. As you near the end of your rehabilitation, your physiotherapist will discuss management techniques to avoid re-injury.